Should I Share All of My Symptoms With a New Doctor?
 

I'm seeing some new doctors next month because I will finally have health insurance again. I am still experiencing a ton of symptoms from the concussion that I got in December of 2013, and I'm wondering if I should share every single symptom during my first appointment.

I guess I'm just worried that I'll look like a complainer or that the doctor will blame everything on anxiety if I come in with a long list of health complaints. I don't know if it would be better to focus on a few related issues during the first appointment or only mention my most severe symptoms.

I am tired of feeling terrible every day and want a chance at feeling better. I'm worried I'll screw everything up if I approach my appointments the wrong way.

Hi there. It's good you're getting the insurance and are able to see new doctors. It can only help your road to recovery. :)

Just my perspective...

It's always difficult walking away from an appointment thinking that I'd wished I'd mentioned this or that.

If you're seeing a new doctor does that mean the notes from the previous doctors will be sent to this new one prior to your appointment?

If yes, then one would hope the new one has read the notes.

If not, then I would write or type a list of what has happened since the original injury. You don't need to go into great detail. Just make it short and concise and in approx dated order.

If you have a timed appointment you can figure out what you need to discuss in that time. Is it an hour appointment or 30 minutes or not timed or what?

The amount of time you have should give you some idea as to where you need to focus. The fact that you're still feeling terrible is very important.

I suppose also that it depends on the specialty of the doctor you will be seeing. e.g. a neuro might do certain tests there and then and that may take up time in the appointment too.

Having your own notes will help you and you can leave the list/notes with the doctor if you need. If it's a fairly short appointment then talk about what is affecting you the most at the moment and make sure you get some direction from the doctor for the future.

MWS,

I bet many of your symptoms are a subset of a major symptom. Start a document and list all of your symptoms. Then start grouping them. Cut and paste works great for this. List after each symptom how it manifests.

for example.

I have persistent balance issues
If I change direction too fast, I will stumble.
When I stand up from sitting, I need to do it slowly.
I have more balance issues when don't have my glasses on and things
look fuzzy.

Sometimes, I feel like a total klutz.
I have to stop to focus to tie my shoes.
When I type, I get my fingers mixed up on the keyboard.
I type the wrong but similar word. i.e. thing for think,

I struggle to read things correctly.
It is like I am dyslexic.
I read a word and think it is something else.

I struggle to think.
I have difficulty finding the words I need to say something.
This is worse if I am tired or in a noisy situation.
This is a consistent problem or I can sometimes go a day without this
being a problem if I rest up.

Sounds and lights can cause me confusion like a panic attack.
I have to be careful going shopping during busy times
Sudden sounds can cause me to get very startled.

I get head aches.
If I have too much sensory stimulation.
If I have a task on a tight schedule.

I think you can put together a good list.

The point is you can take this list to the appointment and just read off the main bullet points. If the doctor asks for more information, you can give him the details. Start off by saying something like, "I get easily flustered and forgetful so I wrote some notes. I can leave a copy with you. " You may be asked questions about your complaints as you fill out the registration and medical history paperwork. You may want to include a copy with that.

Try to avoid overloading the doctor with information so he has time to ask questions. Hopefully, he will ask questions And, avoid using medical terminology. Some doctors will get very problematic if you use medical terminology.

My best to you.